AVL strongly supported the working groups and agencies like TU Graz for the development of TUG CLEAR calculation method as well as JRC for the EMROAD calculation method along with further tasks such as uncertainty calculations.

Because of AVL’s vast experience with on-road emission testing coming from fulfilling related applications all over the globe – US, Brazil, China, Australia, India, etc., even in the present time the company constantly supports and works with JRC and other working groups in terms of knowledge sharing, testing, etc. for further developments in RDE.

Speaking to this correspondent on the support from the company, Shashi Singh, Managing Director, AVL India, said, the company offers Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS) for LCV, HCV and NRMM on-board testing application both, as individual systems or as a modular concept, with additional software solutions to further support its users in tackling the RDE challenge.

The hardware:

•          Gaseous PEMS for LCV (CO, CO2, NO, NO2, O2, N2O)

•          Gaseous PEMS for HCV/ NRMM (CO, CO2, NO, NO2, THC, CH4, O2, N20)

•          Modular FID Analyzer to measure THC & CH4 (adds on to LCV Gas PEMS)

•          Particle Number PEMS (23 nm/ 10nm)

•          Particulate Mass PEMS

•          Exhaust Flow Meter

•          OBD II Scanner (Logs data from vehicle ECU – rpm, speed, coolant temp., etc)

In the case of software the company supports with:

•          Post-processing tool (One touch result generation in required legislative format)

•          SMS tool - Smart Mobile Solutions (Real time monitoring of an RDE test)

•          Road convertor (Generates test bed test bed cycles from the on-road data)

•          DMS - Data Management Solution (Seamless handling of fleet data) 

Talking on the uniqueness of AVL on RDE he said the first and foremost is technical knowhow; AVL is not just an equipment supplier, but a development partner. It has the largest installed base globally and in India. It has a dedicated PTE department working on RDE testing plus RDE calibration projects; it executed joint development with JRC. The company possesses vast experience from all the elements resulting in extensive know-how not only on RDE certification but also on RDE calibration and related special applications. High accuracy analyzers with ranges have been provided to cover even development tasks. The user-friendly, robust, and easy to operate system caters to a vast variety of applications. Besides, it has future proof solutions with features extending beyond RDE requirements (SMS tool, DMS, road convertor, N2O option, etc).

Talking on the company’s contribution to testing new energy vehicles such as Battery Electric Vehicles and Hybrids, he said, the climate change, the increasing demand for energy and the resulting increase in energy prices are forcing the automotive industry to reduce fuel consumption across its whole product range. The hybridization and even full electrification of conventional powertrains are major steps in this direction. As a result, OEMs and suppliers must develop electrified powertrain concepts. To test these electrified powertrains AVL offers the complete end to end solution from office simulation to lab to road testing. Some of its state-of-the-art testing solutions from AVL include E-Motor Testing, Battery Testing, E-Powertrain Testing, Inverter Testing, Fuel Cell Testing, Vehicle testing, Facility Design, NVH Testing, EMC Testing, Integration Test Beds, EOL Test Facilities.

“Battery, Hybrid, Fuel Cell – the electrified powertrain calibration tasks are challenging in all constellations due to the high complexity and level of interactions. The testing and optimisation activities are distributed between virtual environments, physical testbeds and the vehicle. All these require support in automation, simulation, result interpretation and optimisation as well as data management,” Singh said.

AVL offers a comprehensive solution to the challenge by combining the proven calibration and simulation tools such as intelligent DoE based test automation, modeling and optimization for E-Drive, Hybrid and Fuel Cell applications in the testbed; virtual powertrain layout testing and optimization in office; smart assistance in driving manoeuvre in the vehicle for development, calibration and validation tasks; easy automation of your calibration or variation in the vehicles 24/7 test field utilisation and easy and stable connection of simulation models to the test beds.

With the Covid19 the automotive industry is shattered, and indications are that it may take some time for it to reach the original levels. As every player in the automotive eco-system is symbiotic, each one comes up with a unique solution. From AVL India’s point of view it understands that today’s situation is very critical and calls for more interactive working. “We quickly need to adapt our way of working, our communication and social behavior. Considering the new normal for working conditions and restriction for mobility and resource deployment, AVL is supporting customers through various short term and long term measures. In the short term we are supporting our customers with remote support, online training, and digital services and providing access to webinars and white papers. From a ​mid to ​long term perspective, we are supporting the automotive industry for efficiency and cost improvement by collaborating with a data driven approach on various topics. We have created a new company in India - AVL India Big Data​​ focusing exclusively on this new area,” Singh said.

Founded in 1948, AVL is the world's largest independent company for the development, simulation and testing of powertrain systems (hybrid, combustion engine, transmission, electric drive, batteries, fuel cell and control technology) for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, construction, large engines and their integration into the vehicle. The company has decades of experience in the development and optimisation of powertrain systems for all industries. As a global technology leader it provides complete and integrated development environments, measurement and test systems as well as state-of-the-art simulation methods.

As a pioneer in the field of innovative solutions, such as diverse electrification strategies for powertrains, AVL is increasingly taking on new tasks in the field of autonomous driving (connectivity, ADAS, CCAD, etc.) especially on the basis of subjective human sensations (driveability, performance attributes, etc.). In the competition of technologies – internal combustion engine, battery/electric drive and fuel cell systems – and their combinations, it is working intensively and with the same priorities.

The company has digitised the vehicle development process with state-of-the-art and highly scalable IT, software and technology platforms, and creates new customer solutions in the areas of big data, artificial intelligence, simulation and embedded systems in an agile and integrated development environment. (MT)

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As the world relies more on technology and data to tackle different situations or to streamline processes, loopholes exist inevitably. Orbitsys leverages its cloud-based platform, allowing centralisation of data along with remote access for the automotive industry to tackle dealerships and hurdles.

“We tackle connectivity and data hurdles in the automotive industry by offering a cloud-based platform. This allows dealerships and OEMs to centralise data, which eliminates scattered systems, creating a single source of trusted data for customer and vehicle information. Moreover, accessing data remotely enables secure, role-based and real-time data visibility across multiple locations, improving decision-making,” informed Harvinder Pal Singh, Chief Business Officer, Orbitsys DMS.

Dr Amitabh Saran reveals Altigreen’s plans for the ASEAN market and talks about ESG goals and more.

As part of Altigreen’s plans to enter the passenger vehicle market, do you plan to hire fresh talent?
Sometimes start-ups land up doing a lot of things at the same time. The money runs out because a start-up starts with one problem and migrates to a completely different problem. Sometimes it starts adding all kinds of features to its products. For example, by entering the passenger space, we are clear that we cannot do this with the existing funds that we have. That’s because it’s clear that we need to have more teams, a different space etc. Also, we will be in a position to hire more talent and have a separate line entirely for passenger vehicles within the same factory. Besides, we have ensured that there will be ‘common-isation’ of platforms where skills can be achieved. So we are in the process of hiring talent.

What are your plans for charging solutions/infrastructure?
We are very clear that we are a vehicle OEM and do not build charging infrastructure. However, we do partner with a lot of charging companies who are building this infrastructure. We ensure that we are working with them, where we go hand-in-hand and everyone benefits. I have always believed that we need to do this as an ecosystem approach.

What are your plans for the ASEAN market? 
We have always said that Altigreen focuses on India and the emerging markets. The emerging markets are South Asia, Africa and South America. The ASEAN market is very important to us, especially because one of our investors comes from Singapore, and they are going to help us a lot in our progress in ASEAN countries. Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore are four places where we have already been seeing a lot of demand coming, in both passenger and cargo three-wheelers.

A major concern around EVs is high cost. How do you plan to tackle it?
To promote cell manufacturing and electronic component manufacturing in India, the government has created the PLI, wherein even other companies are participants. Each of them will be making cells, and I think they will start creating cells made in India and for Indian conditions, 2024 onwards. That will bring down cell prices and we will see more parity.

Is it that the younger generation, which is interested in purchasing EVs, is unable to do so on account of costs?
I don’t think so. Gen Z may be more inclined to exploring new things. But it’s not like every kid on the block is driving/riding an EV. I think it’s the convenience, which people find as a great alternative and as long as the use case is the same.

How is Altigreen meeting India’s ESG goals?
Over the last nine years, we have been doing a lot of R&D. Our focus was never on the paradigms of ESG or how we fit into it. But we ensure that we are doing everything to make sure that we are focusing on a sustainability paradigm. For example, if one looks at our motor design, they will see that we chose that there will be no magnets in it. Not just because the import of magnets should not be encouraged but also because we want to ensure that the motors are serviceable and manufacturable. Therefore, we have been very conscious about this. Moving forward, now that we are in expansion mode, we have an entire ESG section. Battery recycling is also something that we are working on. We do believe that the batteries that come out of EVs should not be thrown away. They have a very strong use case in solar and other areas, where we have already started working.

Prashanth Doreswamy talks about future learning in the automotive industry, the company’s sustainability goals and how the future belongs to autonomous vehicles.

As an auto-parts manufacturer, how do you think automakers can prepare for the future of mobility?
The consumer would like to see the car as an extended IoT device. That’s because this is all driven by consumer preferences, except for electrification; electrification is driven more by regulations and the government. However, other trends like connected or autonomous are more consumerdriven. We have been seeing a lot of comfort in our homes and offices. Today, consumers expect to see that comfort inside a car because a car has become an extended living space.

With electrification, will jobs become obsolete for small auto-parts manufacturers? Can you tell us the work you’re doing in T-shaped skills?
I don’t think jobs will become obsolete. But this is a transformation that, as tier 1s and tier 2s, we will have to evolve with over a period of time. I’m sure that there are a lot of opportunities, because with EVs, while the number of components is decreasing, a lot of other content is increasing. How we reshape ourselves through this will be a challenge for every company. That’s where the differentiation will come from – who is spending more on R&D. Because whatever is spent on R&D today is not for today but for tomorrow. Those who spend more on R&D innovation are going to drive the future, and that’s something that Continental also strongly believes in.

When we talk of T-shaped skills, we’d like to develop people’s skill sets on the broader side as well as on particular segments, deep into the subject. There are a lot of programmes for this, one being the software academy that we began in around 2017-2018. You can’t put the millennials and Gen Zs just into a classroom; their way of learning is much different. That’s how these course curriculums are being designed.

Do you see autonomous cars happening at all?
Autonomous is always a challenge; it is not just a vehicle ready with all the technologies, but an ecosystem. A lot of things have to come in sync. There are certain hurdles and it’s taking a little longer than expected, but we strongly believe that the future is going to be autonomous.

While working with OEMs, the development time of a product is typically three years, and then the vehicle will be available in another six years. How do you make sure that technology is still relevant till then?
This is why we do a lot of research in terms of understanding the technology landscape and the consumer preferences. Not only within the automotive industry, but we do benchmark with a lot of adjacent industries as well. All of this is taken care of in the product planning process. At the same time, we look at how we can upgrade to the latest technology without modifying anything.

In terms of surface solutions, what alternatives are you looking at for leather (for seats) so that animals are not killed?
The surface solution that we have is an alternative for leather. It is at a much lower cost and gives the feel of a leather. It is much more durable than leather and meets all the other interior requirements. This application goes from the seating to the armrest to cockpit assemblies.

Can you tell us about some of Continental Automotive’s sustainability goals?
We are one of the first auto-component manufacturers to come up with a bold promise, which was made in December 2019. We made four promises. The first is that we’ll be carbon neutral across the value chain (from raw materials to the disposal) by 2050 and our operations will be carbon neutral by 2040. From December 2020, all of our 540+ manufacturing operations – including India – have been using only green power. The second is zero tailpipe emissions. The third is that we’ll achieve 95 percent circular economy by 2030 – whatever we use will be reused and recycled. The fourth is that we will be a responsible value chain.

What will shape the automotive parts and the automotive sector this year?
We’ll see a huge growth in electronics inside the car. There will be more connected features and ADAS functions. Besides, the industry will migrate from small cars to bigger sized cars, including SUVs, which is good news for the industry. We’ll still continue to have some challenges on the semiconductor parts. This crisis will come to an end sometime in the mid of 2024, maybe.

Hygge Energy has developed a marketplace for local players to trade renewable energy.

The last decade has witnessed a gradual transformation of the Indian mobility space. The influx of electric vehicles (EV) has added to this change. It has also aptly highlighted the adaptation of modern technology by the auto industry, among others, to close the gap between EVs and IC-engine vehicles.

With stress being laid on the creation of an efficient infrastructure, albeit in the form of enough charging solutions, efforts are being made to ensure early adoption of EVs as well as a sustainable user experience. Designing a software to unlock the monetary potential of renewable energy with an eye on EVs and terming it as ‘Zero Emission Electric Mobility’, Hygge Energy has developed a marketplace that paves the way for local players to trade renewable energy. It is an initiative that will be set up at CNG stations. In this direction, the company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Think Gas.

Prateek Saxena, Founder and CEO of Hygge Energy, mentioned, “The Indian EV charging business faces three major problems: the electrical grid is not resilient enough to allow charging; the grid energy mix is not renewables-centric, and hence the charging source is not renewablebased in any manner; and buying grid energy is not profitable for charging operators. When chargers are set up, the grid requires very costly upgrades. The resulting increased transformer size causes higher sanctioned load and electricity bills as well. The load factor on the grid is too high; as the demand peaks for EV charging, the grid often does not have the capacity to support it. There is also a lack of aggregation of carbon credits. The individual EV charging station operators are not in a position to consolidate carbon credits for monetisation. Our solution addresses all of these problems.”

Zero Emission Electric Mobility was designed with three essential objectives in mind: charging EVs using renewable energy; promoting zero-emissions mobility; and no upgrades for grid infrastructure, hence avoiding delays and expenses. This will decrease grid load dependency for charging stations by over 80 percent and improve grid resiliency.

Hygge’s solution is supported by an end-to-end immersive EV charging mobile app that facilitates the entire charging experience for both the driver as well as the charging station owner.

The platform
The platform addresses the lack of aggregation of carbon credits as well. As the platform will source renewable energy for EV charging, it will be used for maximising carbon credits for companies like Think Gas in the clean fuel business, informed the executive.

Hygge Energy enables entrepreneurs and large corporates interested in investing in the EV charging business to make money. The platform is plug-and-play. It instantaneously connects EV charging stations to next-gen technology, including IoT devices embedded with artificial intelligence and blockchain that reduce cost of operation, and an immersive EV charging app that drives traffic.

Hygge’s technology allows EV operators to become profitable at a very low cost. “We partner for long term with operators, and this association lasts throughout the lifecycle so that we can support their operations related to pricing, policy, regulation and technology,” said Saxena.

Bridging the gap
Hygge’s EV charging system is supported by a next-gen charging app that enables owners to book, reserve and pay for charging time slots in advance, avoiding waiting time and disappointments because of not getting a charging spot and chaos at charging sites. End-to-end planning and scheduling of EV charging will also allow EV owners to overcome the hurdle of range anxiety.

The gamified and community-centric app will enable like-minded individuals to come together and exchange ideas for creating a greener future. Zero Emission Electric Mobility is a highly adaptable system that provides 100 percent clean energy e-mobility by ensuring that EV charging is done with renewable energy, thereby allowing environmentally conscious EV owners to be in charge of their energy usage and carbon footprint.

Hygge’s charging app also enables tracking of payments as well as carbon credits earned by users each time they utilise Hygge’s network. This will open up access to an INR 750 billion carbon trading market for renewables-based EV charging.

“Now our end users also include drivers of CNG vehicles. Think Gas requested us to improve the customer experience at their CNG filling stations by using our EV charging app for providing a similar experience for CNG drivers. Our app for CNG users includes advance booking, cashless payment and loyalties, like our EV solution,” informed the CEO.

Zero emission transportation
Electric vehicle charging using coal-heavy grid power emits 50 times more carbon than doing it using solar photovoltaic solutions. Zero Emission Electric Mobility ensures that all EV charging is done using renewable energy as opposed to using other available energy sources, thereby drastically reducing the greenhouse emissions.

The system is facilitated by Hygge’s proprietary customer premises IoT device called the Hygge Box, which operates on embedded machine learning-based artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. It enables tracking, measurement, optimisation, allocation and accounting of renewable energy, hence ensuring that electric vehicles are primarily charged with clean renewable energy.

Zero Emission Electric Mobility is a highly adaptable system that provides completely clean e-mobility. The platform can not only be integrated to any EV charging or battery swapping system but also provides truly zero-emission transportation by ensuring the use of low-cost renewable energy for charging EVs and batteries.

The partnership
Zero Emission Electric Mobility (complete with the Hygge Box and Hygge Energy’s EV charging app), as well as Hygge Energy’s app for CNG filling, will initially be installed at a Think Gas CNG station in Uttar Pradesh, followed by other locations under discussion. This will be a big step by Hygge towards unlocking a USD 15 billion carbon trading market for service providers offering CNG and EV charging services in India, which will make these businesses profitable.

Hygge’s platform is integrated with on-site or off-site renewable energy and the distribution grid infrastructure. It enables tracking, measurement, optimisation, allocation and accounting of energy. This ensures that all renewable energy is directed towards EV charging. In the absence of EV charging, this energy can be redirected to other applications for maximum utilisation and savings on electricity bills. It also avoids the additional load that EV charging infrastructure puts on distribution transformers. As a result, renewable energy e-mobility can be accommodated without the need for additional investments in grid infrastructure.